• Home
  • popular
  • EVENTS
  • submit-new-event
  • CHARITY GUIDE
  • Children
  • Education
  • Health
  • Veterans
  • Social Services
  • Arts + Culture
  • Animals
  • LGBTQ
  • New Charity
  • TRENDING NEWS
  • News
  • City Life
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Home + Design
  • Travel
  • Real Estate
  • Restaurants + Bars
  • Arts
  • Society
  • Innovation
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • subscribe
  • about
  • series
  • Embracing Your Inner Cowboy
  • Green Living
  • Summer Fun
  • Real Estate Confidential
  • RX In the City
  • State of the Arts
  • Fall For Fashion
  • Cai's Odyssey
  • Comforts of Home
  • Good Eats
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2010
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2
  • Good Eats 2
  • HMNS Pirates
  • The Future of Houston
  • We Heart Hou 2
  • Music Inspires
  • True Grit
  • Hoops City
  • Green Living 2011
  • Cruizin for a Cure
  • Summer Fun 2011
  • Just Beat It
  • Real Estate 2011
  • Shelby on the Seine
  • Rx in the City 2011
  • Entrepreneur Video Series
  • Going Wild Zoo
  • State of the Arts 2011
  • Fall for Fashion 2011
  • Elaine Turner 2011
  • Comforts of Home 2011
  • King Tut
  • Chevy Girls
  • Good Eats 2011
  • Ready to Jingle
  • Houston at 175
  • The Love Month
  • Clifford on The Catwalk Htx
  • Let's Go Rodeo 2012
  • King's Harbor
  • FotoFest 2012
  • City Centre
  • Hidden Houston
  • Green Living 2012
  • Summer Fun 2012
  • Bookmark
  • 1987: The year that changed Houston
  • Best of Everything 2012
  • Real Estate 2012
  • Rx in the City 2012
  • Lost Pines Road Trip Houston
  • London Dreams
  • State of the Arts 2012
  • HTX Fall For Fashion 2012
  • HTX Good Eats 2012
  • HTX Contemporary Arts 2012
  • HCC 2012
  • Dine to Donate
  • Tasting Room
  • HTX Comforts of Home 2012
  • Charming Charlie
  • Asia Society
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2012
  • HTX Mistletoe on the go
  • HTX Sun and Ski
  • HTX Cars in Lifestyle
  • HTX New Beginnings
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2013
  • Zadok Sparkle into Spring
  • HTX Let's Go Rodeo 2013
  • HCC Passion for Fashion
  • BCAF 2013
  • HTX Best of 2013
  • HTX City Centre 2013
  • HTX Real Estate 2013
  • HTX France 2013
  • Driving in Style
  • HTX Island Time
  • HTX Super Season 2013
  • HTX Music Scene 2013
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2013 2
  • HTX Baker Institute
  • HTX Comforts of Home 2013
  • Mothers Day Gift Guide 2021 Houston
  • Staying Ahead of the Game
  • Wrangler Houston
  • First-time Homebuyers Guide Houston 2021
  • Visit Frisco Houston
  • promoted
  • eventdetail
  • Greystar Novel River Oaks
  • Thirdhome Go Houston
  • Dogfish Head Houston
  • LovBe Houston
  • Claire St Amant podcast Houston
  • The Listing Firm Houston
  • South Padre Houston
  • NextGen Real Estate Houston
  • Pioneer Houston
  • Collaborative for Children
  • Decorum
  • Bold Rock Cider
  • Nasher Houston
  • Houston Tastemaker Awards 2021
  • CityNorth
  • Urban Office
  • Villa Cotton
  • Luck Springs Houston
  • EightyTwo
  • Rectanglo.com
  • Silver Eagle Karbach
  • Mirador Group
  • Nirmanz
  • Bandera Houston
  • Milan Laser
  • Lafayette Travel
  • Highland Park Village Houston
  • Proximo Spirits
  • Douglas Elliman Harris Benson
  • Original ChopShop
  • Bordeaux Houston
  • Strike Marketing
  • Rice Village Gift Guide 2021
  • Downtown District
  • Broadstone Memorial Park
  • Gift Guide
  • Music Lane
  • Blue Circle Foods
  • Houston Tastemaker Awards 2022
  • True Rest
  • Lone Star Sports
  • Silver Eagle Hard Soda
  • Modelo recipes
  • Modelo Fighting Spirit
  • Athletic Brewing
  • Rodeo Houston
  • Silver Eagle Bud Light Next
  • Waco CVB
  • EnerGenie
  • HLSR Wine Committee
  • All Hands
  • El Paso
  • Avenida Houston
  • Visit Lubbock Houston
  • JW Marriott San Antonio
  • Silver Eagle Tupps
  • Space Center Houston
  • Central Market Houston
  • Boulevard Realty
  • Travel Texas Houston
  • Alliantgroup
  • Golf Live
  • DC Partners
  • Under the Influencer
  • Blossom Hotel
  • San Marcos Houston
  • Photo Essay: Holiday Gift Guide 2009
  • We Heart Hou
  • Walker House
  • HTX Good Eats 2013
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2013
  • HTX Culture Motive
  • HTX Auto Awards
  • HTX Ski Magic
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings 2014
  • HTX Texas Traveler
  • HTX Cifford on the Catwalk 2014
  • HTX United Way 2014
  • HTX Up to Speed
  • HTX Rodeo 2014
  • HTX City Centre 2014
  • HTX Dos Equis
  • HTX Tastemakers 2014
  • HTX Reliant
  • HTX Houston Symphony
  • HTX Trailblazers
  • HTX_RealEstateConfidential_2014
  • HTX_IW_Marks_FashionSeries
  • HTX_Green_Street
  • Dating 101
  • HTX_Clifford_on_the_Catwalk_2014
  • FIVE CultureMap 5th Birthday Bash
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2014 TEST
  • HTX Texans
  • Bergner and Johnson
  • HTX Good Eats 2014
  • United Way 2014-15_Single Promoted Articles
  • Holiday Pop Up Shop Houston
  • Where to Eat Houston
  • Copious Row Single Promoted Articles
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2014
  • htx woodford reserve manhattans
  • Zadok Swiss Watches
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings 2015
  • HTX Charity Challenge 2015
  • United Way Helpline Promoted Article
  • Boulevard Realty
  • Fusion Academy Promoted Article
  • Clifford on the Catwalk Fall 2015
  • United Way Book Power Promoted Article
  • Jameson HTX
  • Primavera 2015
  • Promenade Place
  • Hotel Galvez
  • Tremont House
  • HTX Tastemakers 2015
  • HTX Digital Graffiti/Alys Beach
  • MD Anderson Breast Cancer Promoted Article
  • HTX RealEstateConfidential 2015
  • HTX Vargos on the Lake
  • Omni Hotel HTX
  • Undies for Everyone
  • Reliant Bright Ideas Houston
  • 2015 Houston Stylemaker
  • HTX Renewable You
  • Urban Flats Builder
  • Urban Flats Builder
  • HTX New York Fashion Week spring 2016
  • Kyrie Massage
  • Red Bull Flying Bach
  • Hotze Health and Wellness
  • ReadFest 2015
  • Alzheimer's Promoted Article
  • Formula 1 Giveaway
  • Professional Skin Treatments by NuMe Express

    Glee star in the house

    Happy blue pills, celebrities and hunky catnip come together in Houston to serenade TUTS

    Joel Luks
    Apr 24, 2013 | 11:06 am

    Was it soap? Were they cookies? What on earth were those cellophane-wrapped blue party favors so neatly arranged at each table for Theatre Under the Stars "Moonlight Serenade" gala at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts?

    It all became clear as daylight when Broadway celeb and UH graduate Sally Mayes intoned a song written by the Four Bitchin' Babes Friday night. Let's just say this cabaret version of "Viagra in the Waters" was quite uplifting.

    It was quite the memorable star studded soiree for the 45-year-old organization, which called on illustrious friends with a local connection to entertain atop an elevated theater in the round on the stage of Sarofim Hall. While guests dined against a full moon backdrop twinkling with stars, Brent Spiner, better known as Commander Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation, whipped up a delightful "I Got Rhythm." American actor and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Bruce Norris, whose Clybourne Park was presented in January at the Alley Theatre, chatted about his endeavors. Tickling the ivories was Brad Ellis, whom the 400-plus party-goers recognized as the pianist from Glee.

    Cullen made an impression when he and Mayes first met. He was wearing a leotard. As a straight man in theater, in her words, he was very much like catnip.

    And the dapper Brett Cullen — you may remember him from Apollo 13, Something to Talk About and The Dark Knight Rises — who knew he had such lovely vocals? Standing tall at 6-foot, 2-inches, Cullen made an impression when he and Mayes, both pupils of Cecil Pickett, first met. He was wearing a leotard. As a straight man in theater, in her words, he was very much like catnip.

    Taking a bow for the fundraiser were chairs Amy and Rob Pierce and Melissa Edwards, who decided to go high tech this year with the silent auction and big board programmed on special iPods. The bidding, which contributed $615,000 to the piggy bank, may have ended way before midnight, but the lively sounds of the Richard Brown Orchestra rallied the black-tie flock onto the dance floor.

    In the company of TUTS president and CEO John Breckenridge and artistic director Bruce Lumpkin and wife Michelle were Helen and Jim Shaffer, Margaret Alkek Williams and Jim Daniels, Alley Theatre's Dean Gladden, UH School of Theatre and Dance director Steven Wallace, Sandy and Randy Stilley, Elise and Jeff Cross, Molly and Jim Crownover, Marissa and Dr. J.C. Morgan, Stephanie and Bill Swingle and David Chambers.

    About those happy blue pills? Sugary sweets to take home.

    Brad Ellis, from left, Sally Mayes, Bruce Norris, Brett Cullen, Melissa Edwards, Brent Spiner and Amy and Rob Pierce

    TUTS gala April 2013 Brad Ellis, Sally Mayes, Bruce Norris, Brett Cullen, Amy Pierce, Brent Spiner and Amy Pierce and Rob Pierce
      
    Photo by Kim Coffman
    Brad Ellis, from left, Sally Mayes, Bruce Norris, Brett Cullen, Melissa Edwards, Brent Spiner and Amy and Rob Pierce
    unspecified
    news/society

    Tasting Table Recap

    Foodies feast at CultureMap Houston's first Tasting Table dinner

    Eric Sandler
    Jun 24, 2025 | 3:45 pm
    CultureMap Tasting Table B.B. Italia Land Rover Southwest
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
    undefined

    A select group of food-obsessed Houstonians had a very special Monday night meal at the first CultureMap Tasting Table. Held at B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar in Sugar Land Town Square, the sold-out affair celebrated good food, refreshing drinks, and the special twists that make every CultureMap event a night to remember.

    The evening began with a cocktail hour that featured sips from event sponsor Weber Ranch Vodka. Under the watchful eyes of Berg Hospitality Senior Vice President of Operations Arthur Mooradian and B.B. Italia general manager Jason Fletcher, the restaurant’s staff glided through the crowd offering filet skewers and the fan favorite meatballs. Guests also had the opportunity to admire a well-appointed Land Rover Defender, courtesy of presenting sponsor Land Rover Southwest Houston.

    Once inside, guests had the opportunity to pose for a caricature from NXTLVL Events — yes, the same Bob Ross-inspired robot that was such a hit at the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. Prior to the meal, Gow Media CRO Lindsey Harvel welcomed everyone and gave a little special recognition to CultureMap Houston editor Eric Sandler (a.k.a, this author).

    B.B. Italia served a three-course meal that highlighted their most popular dishes. Diners could opt for either a classic Caesar or Burrata Citrus Salad to start. From there, they chose either Shrimp Scampi over linguini, a classic Chicken Parmigiana, or the Grandma’s Ravoli — a brisket-filled take on the classic that was served with an appealing cream parmesan sauce. The meal finished with a sample tray of the restaurant’s most popular desserts, cheesecake, cannoli, and tiramisu.

    Happy and full, everyone returned to the Land Rover Defender for gift bags and swag from the night’s sponsors.

    Seen in the crowd were Houston influencer Nicole Kestenbaum, Gow Media CEO Jacob Swain, a team from the PR mavens at Public Content, Brynn Lehman from Weber Ranch Vodka, and the night’s very special guests Land Rover Southwest general manager Chris Parker and his wife, Brand Strategy Director at Sonic Automotive Ashley Parker. We also extend a hearty congratulations to Dulles High School principal Corey Stewart and his wife Megnon, who celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary at the meal.

    CultureMap Tasting Table B.B. Italia Land Rover Southwest
      

    Photo by Daniel Ortiz

    The team from Land Rover Southwest showed off this new Defender.

    For those who missed all the fun, fear not. We'll be announcing more Tasting Table events in the very near future.

    sponsoredsection2278256586
    news/society
    Loading...